freedomarrow

[freedomarrow]

When the underground village was first discovered, Leonardo wasn't surprised to see that the Church was eager to discover its secrets, and while he of course set out for Burrowhaven as instructed when he was dispatched, it wasn't exactly eager - if only because an outside force meddling in the lives of others was something he had a bit too much experience with.

And indeed - he gained a degree of trust fairly quickly, and what earned it was not his status as one dispatched by the Church, but rather his status as an outsider to Fódlan. That was what they found easier to believe in, and he wasn't sure how he felt about the way it didn't even surprise him.

Whatever the case may be, one thing led to another, and he found himself running an errand for the local blacksmith. And apparently, he wasn't the only one, as he just found out.

"Oh - yes, I am," he said, a little caught off-guard as a man he hasn't seen before spoke to him. Though he supposed that his demeanor was indeed more fitting for the Academy than this town when he thought about it. "Are you... a Professor? And, um - I'm actually going to the blacksmith myself. I can lead the way, please follow me."

These Sidequests Never Seem to End

[Authority +1] - Eliwood and Leonardo

[freedomarrow]

A lesson indeed, that would no doubt be worth his while. Any experience and knowledge was good in his book, and a type of growth that had a chance to benefit him in the future, in ways he perhaps couldn't imagine or foresee right now.

He listened to Darios' explanation attentively, thinking to himself.

"The bracers I usually wear are rather lightweight, and don't cover my fingers. But if an axe will require something heavier than that, it shouldn't be a problem." While Leonardo didn't exactly look imposing and was aware of that, well, wielding bows and crossbows required a lot more strength than most people would imagine, and as such, he was considerably stronger than he appeared, even in spite of what he had said before.

(Perhaps, part of it was that he had grown accustomed to thinking of himself as inadequate.)

As Darios worked, Leonardo watched while helping with finding the necessary supplies. Hopefully, he would be able to assist in the process as well.

"Do you also have combat experience?" He asked Darios in an idle moment. He had a feeling he already knew the answer, but he always preferred to be safe than sorry. "If so... if it's okay to ask, what weapons do you use most often?"

[Bonk Sound Effect] || Leonardo & Darios

Mission: Axe +1 || @grxstnnefealltoir || Mission Season: Restoration

[freedomarrow]

Sneaky information gathering was nothing new to Leonardo at this point. After all, it’s not as though one could simply waltz up to the occupying Begnion soldiers and ask them about their next plans, locations of their bases, numbers of prisoners and the like. First, one had to either cozy up to them, or make them oblivious to one’s existence even while standing right in front of them.

He and the others in the Dawn Brigade have done it in many ways. Disguises as merchants, regular civilians, local children or other type of simple insignificant lambs not worth paying attention to were frequently used and mastered to perfection. Leonardo knew that some nobles would find such tacticts unbecoming of them, but thankfully, he never had a chance to grow to care about such worthless matters. If there was something to be grateful for in his life, it was that.

So, Leonardo doesn’t hesitate to put on casual clothes and volunteer his services as staff and stableboy. After all, just as much intel could be found among servants as among generals — if only one knew where to look.

What does catch him slightly off-guard, however, is not only that he wasn’t the only one who decided to do that, but also… who exactly the other individual was.

The Tower of Guidance. He remembers that face, and the hand that wielded the power of light — first against, and then alongside them.

In that moment, their eyes meet; but before he can formulate a response, a maid’s voice calls to him.

“Oi, Leonardo, was it? We need help movin’ these materials to the warehouse. You happen to have free hands?”

“Coming!” He calls, before offering Sephiran a nod. The tone of voice that speaks the next sentence is unusually eager for him and his demeanor — and, he hopes, a signal for the other to just play along.

“Will you help as well, sir? It looks like they have a lot of work to do.”

How Do You Do Fellow Perfectly Innocent Civilians || Leonardo & Sephiran

Mission: Any Skill +1 || @thelightofcreation || Mission Season: Pearlescent

[freedomarrow]

ooc; wanted plots - Pearlescent

Focus on Leonardo this time because boy needs more interactions, so he gets to post it this time, but I've got something for the others as well.

Leonardo:

Any +1 (requires Unaffiliated) - Leonardo may be a noble, but no work is beneath him, and he's very skilled and experienced in intelligence gathering. He'll know where to put his eyes and ears, without being noticed himself. I'm happy to take this up with either someone who will gather info alongside him, in which case we can focus more on this aspect, or crash the whole thing and make him flex his "get away from trouble" muscles instead.

Riding +1 (requires Unaffiliated) - this is going to give Leonardo massive Feral One flashbacks, but for whatever that's worth he knows how to deal with beasts. Whether his partner wants to snoop, investigate, or Haul Ass, I'm down to plot.

Sword +1 (available to anyone) - if sent to assist, Leonardo will of course play bodyguard. I'd be down to have some ruffians try to crash the party and involve some combat if we'd like.

Lance +1 (available to anyone) - Leonardo is a military school student. He's going to tear this book a new one, complete with demonstrations if necessary.

Claude:

Sword +1 (available to anyone) - taken: Dimitri

Tibarn:

I don't really have particular prompts I want to take up with him. However, he is Unaffiliated, and as such can take up mission board prompts freely. If you find yourself lacking for a partner, I'm always open and happy to take up a prompt with you, just let me know.

As usual, ping me in TOA Discord's plotting channel or DM me if you'd like to thread!

[freedomarrow]

Activity Check: May 2025

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Sword: D → D+)

Total: 1; 54 → 55

[freedomarrow]

The analysis of the comparison was quite on point, and Leonardo nodded in agreement.

"More than anything else, I am not too used just yet to being up close and personal with the enemy... or the idea of attempting to cleave them in half." When he shot them, he never looked away - could not afford to - but the distance and the less brutal nature of an arrow made it... a little easier, her felt. He swallowed before continuing.

"... But I've never shied away from doing what I had to to protect those I held dear. So, if the need ever arises... I want to have the possibility in my arsenal."

With that, he followed Darios through the workshop, looking at the materials. The blacksmith went with them as well, pulling out more tools for them to examine and look at.

When the other man posed the next question to him, Leonardo stirred lightly as it dawned on him that it was time to get practical and serious about the process.

"I don't have clear preferences, no... I've handled both metal and wood, and both felt comfortable as long as they were adjusted to my size and weight." He picked up one of the steel chunks the blacksmith had pulled out for them, and looked at it more closely. Rough as it was, he could still see his reflection in the metal, albeit a little misshapen, and it prompted a small smile from him.

"We could use that, maybe?" He suggested, a hint quietly, looking to the owner of the workshop in hope of further instructions.

[Bonk Sound Effect] || Leonardo & Darios

Mission: Axe +1 || @grxstnnefealltoir || Mission Season: Restoration

[freedomarrow]

When Leonardo entered, carrying the stack of books into their owner's new room, the sight that greeted him was that of the Blue Lions House Leader finishing up adjusting the placement of the new desk. Right on time, he thought, greeting the man with a light smile and a nod. Once the desk was fully in place, he moved over to put the books on it, before turning to greet Dimitri, accepting the hand held out to him.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," he greeted; a slight hint of hesitation preceded the title as he spoke, unsure just how much it was required; in the end, however, being polite never hurt, did it. Perhaps his fellow Lions dropped the formalities, but it was not as though he was close with the man.

"And of course - I'll help as much as I can. I arrived after that whole... situation, so I'm not tired or in recovery like many others I've seen," he assured, though his smile faded a little. "I've heard accounts of what happened from my friends. Between that and the damage I've seen... It must have been awful. I feel bad that I wasn't here to help, so if I can assist now, I'll do whatever's necessary."

With his hands now free, he pulled out a notebook from one of his pockets; one of the pages was a sketch of a simplified map of every floor, with several rooms marked in colors matching the owners' Houses. "I got a list of most important rooms to check and assist. We can use that to plan our route." He looked up at Dimitri again, a hint of sheepishness creeping into his voice as he continued. "I'm sure you're physically stronger than me - I'll help out of course, but um... will you be able to handle the heavier items?"

when the baggage doesn't match the bedsheets

[freedomarrow]

Leonardo sits on the edge of the pond, body twisted towards one side as he ensures that the newly acquired blades are attached properly to his boots. Entertainment activity or no, he wants to ensure that it's as safe as can be before he enters the ice, minimizing the risk of injury - at least, injury caused by his own carelessness.

His attention snaps briefly back to the sound of a short scream coming from the frozen pond, and he looks up to ascertain the situation - but the sound evolved quickly into laughter, and the two girls that slipped and fell on the surface of the ice quickly pick themselves back up, one using the other as support, and are revealed to be unharmed, only amused at their own mistake. The blond lets out a barely audible huff at the scene, before going back to working on his equipment.

Soon, he is finished with his blades - his skates, as some have been calling it - but still, he is in no hurry to set out just yet. He takes a moment longer to watch the other participants, taking in their enjoyment, laughter and chatter, and though not fully conscious, a small smile flourishes on his face.

"In Daein, every year when it got cold, kids... and not only, often came up with all sorts of ideas to entertain themselves. When I was in military school, boys would compete in icicle throwing. I didn't throw the farthest, but I often had the best aim." A small note of fondness for times long gone emanates in his voice as he speaks. "Frozen lakes were often gathering spots, too. People enjoyed playing and messing around on the ice."

"... Have you ever tried anything like this?" He inquires, turning to Pelleas, a hint of curiosity glinting in his eyes - even if not entirely put into words, out of politeness and respect for the other's private matters. Leonardo has never pried into the details of Pelleas' upbringing nor has he intended to, he knows only that is was not the same as that of an average Daein in more ways than one; and so, it should never be assumed what the former king has or has not experienced.

Icebreaker || Leonardo & Pelleas

Mission: ice skating || @pirrhyc || Mission Season: Excavation

[freedomarrow]

Activity Check: April 2025

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Riding: S ⅔ → S+)

Total: 1; 53 → 54

Obtained: - Cavalry Effect Null, Galeforce (Riding S+)

[freedomarrow]

Well, he supposed that he was in. The greeting is met with something between a nod and a bow; the man's title felt befitting someone of higher standing, and it was always better to show respect than risk not doing so when he should.

To the question, he nodded as he followed Darios. "Um, yeah. I handle the bow just fine, and same for swords and lighter types of lances. With axes though... Some are difficult to even lift, much less wield. I fought under an axe wielder, and he made it look easy, but he was... twice or so my size."

The image of Nolan swinging his weapon at the Begnion soldiers to swat them out of his way like flies flashed before his mind, prompting a weak smile as he continued. "My country is also known for its Dragonrider regiments, and many of them are also axe wielders. I went to a military school, so I tried it a few times... but it just did not really sit right with me. The wyverns didn't like me, either, maybe because I've always been best as an archer. So teachers and I gave up on that pretty quickly."

He glanced around the workshop as they walked in. Maybe he really bit off more than he could chew. He was not even sure what the order of action here was.

"Where... do we begin?"

[Bonk Sound Effect] || Leonardo & Darios

Mission: Axe +1 || @grxstnnefealltoir || Mission Season: Restoration

[freedomarrow]

"At this point, we believe this should be nothing more than a routine scouting mission. Of course, be prepared just in case, but we don't anticipate trouble."

... Yeah, he'll believe it when he sees it. The boy who has actively toiled at rebuilding a land destroyed by war and plague knows better what it means to heal a country that had endured a calamity. In a way, it's almost like a purging; all the worst hiding in the obscured corners of the land are drawn to the destruction like moths to a flame, and the hard work does not stop until long after the primary cause of the catastrophe has passed. Some months or years if one's lucky, a generation or two on average.

So when alarms are shouted in the group and the unarmed students are led to run for cover, Leonardo isn't even surprised or confused. It has become routine by now, as sad as that may be to think, considering his age; though that is a reflection for someone else to have, for he, who longs to know something else but still has not had the blessing, has already forgotten.

When Sir Kris speaks, Leonardo doesn't even look his way at first, eyes locked firmly on the enemy. He'll reply when he's sure that him doing so doesn't get someone killed.

Backup activates! [-1HP; Mogall D 2.5/6HP] Leonardo 10/10HP hits Mogall D 2.5/6HP with Lughnasadh [Roll: 11, -2HP; Mogall D 0.5/6HP] Bowrange+ activates! The enemy is unable to counterattack! Spd Follow-up: Leonardo 10/10HP hits Mogall D 0.5/6HP with Lughnasadh [Roll: 1, -2HP; Mogall D 0/6HP] Mogall D has been defeated!

Two arrows fly into the floating monstrosity in harmony, prompting an unholy shriek as it tumbles down to the ground in a mess of tentacles. It twitches still, but Leonardo has already grabbed another arrow by now, and it swiftly flies into the freaky eyeball, silencing it for good this time.

Only then does he glance back at the companion, by now proven on multiple occasions to be trustworthy, and nods, his expression calm.

"Hopefully, fast enough."

Already as he speaks, the arm reaches to his quiver for another arrow. Only then does he notice that another has stayed with them, a young man, a lantern enchanted with some kind of magic in lightly trembling hands; a healer, Leonardo presumes. Hopefully, they can shield him from danger and reward his bravery.

✦ —𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞, 𝐜𝐚𝐩'𝐧.

↳ mission: restoration ( scouting gronder field / combat document )

[freedomarrow]

Ah.

Having initially taken a step back, Leonardo now made a shy one a little closer, the newly arrived man's voice striking at him almost like a command of sorts, in spite of the kindness undoubted behind his words and gesture alike. He initially wanted to shake his head, reject politely, say something about he didn't want to be an inconvenience...

It's just that, well, Leonardo has never been particularly good about arguing his case when Edward isn't around.

"It's... alright, really," he says nonetheless with a faint smile. "I have not attempted to use or maintain an axe in many years. Usually, I struggle to so much as pick it up, really..."

It's silly. He came here to try and improve himself, didn't he?

"... But if you think I could learn something, then I can give it a try. Payment's not a problem, of course - I can cover that no problem."

The blacksmith gave them a wide grin, before waving his arm in an inviting gesture. "Righto, come in then, lads! Wantin' is half the effort - as long as the spirit is there, rest will fall into place."

Alright, well, it looked like he was in it then, whether he wanted to or not. (He did, he really did - just needed someone to say it for him. And Edward was not here right now.)

With that in mind, he should get to know his new acquaintance a bit better, and so he turned to him again.

"It's nice to meet you, sir. My name is Leonardo. I'm a student of the Golden Deer House."

[Bonk Sound Effect] || Leonardo & Darios

Mission: Axe +1 || @grxstnnefealltoir || Mission Season: Restoration

[freedomarrow]

Activity Check: March 2025

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Battle of the Eagle and Lion (Riding: S → S ⅓) - Activity (Riding: S ⅓ → S ⅔)

Total: 2; 51 → 53

[freedomarrow]

Ah Yes

Painting is concerned with all the 10 attributes of sight; which are: Darkness, Light, Solidity and Colour, Form and Position, Distance and Propinquity, Motion and Rest...

... guys what the heck am I talking about

[freedomarrow]

Weapon maintenance is a task Leonardo is familiar with. After all, during the years of the Dawn Brigade, they rarely if ever got a chance to visit and enjoy the service of a professional blacksmith — and yet, their weapons had to remain as sharp and deadly as ever, if they were to keep them alive.

… With that said, usually each of them would focus on their own weapon, with Leonardo, naturally, prioritizing his bow and arrows. Adjusting the pressure of the bowstring, sharpening the arrows, the likes. In the beginning, he also demonstrated a few times to Edward how to take proper (or as proper as was possible) care of his sword, but his friend picked up the necessary skills quite quickly, and Leonardo saw fit to just leave him to it. The axe, meanwhile, had been Nolan’s territory — and suffice to say that the old wolf did not exactly need help with maintaining it.

In short, Leonardo hasn’t really had a lot of contact with the axe and its needs and requirements… since his school fell, really.

So now, as he observes one of the Garreg Mach town’s blacksmiths at work, he finds himself utterly lacking in confidence and hesitant to approach. And it doesn’t get any better when the man actually addresses him.

“Interested in the work, lad? Feel free to come in, you may just learn a thing or two!”

“Ah, um…”

Leonardo doesn’t get much more out of himself, not just because he isn’t sure what to say — but also because he gets distracted by a figure appearing behind him. He turns, facing a young man, taller than him, with a posture that he almost wants to describe as regal.

Maybe the guy came here to peruse the blacksmith’s wares or services. Which likely means that Leonardo is in the way.

“Oh. Sorry,” he says sheepishly, stepping aside.

[Bonk Sound Effect] || Leonardo & Darios

Mission: Axe +1 || @grxstnnefealltoir || Mission Season: Restoration

[freedomarrow]

Progress is steady as days and weeks see the monastery regain some of its former shape, stone by stone and plank by plank. At the very least there is substantially less debris scattered across the pathways now, cleared aside where it won’t pose a hazard to unsuspecting laborers or salvaged for materials to reuse. Holes in the ground have been temporarily patched, damage to buildings has been assessed and plans drawn to rebuild them.

The town of Garreg Mach is in a similar state when Kris passes through on his way to the gates. Supplies coming in need to be hauled off to their respective destinations, both near and far, and he certainly has strength to spare regardless of how long he’s already spent working.

What he doesn’t expect is for bright goldenrod to catch his eye, attached to a face he hasn’t seen since the tears in the sky disappeared. Was it a shock to him to have returned to such devastation right at the heart of the continent? Did he witness the chaos—or the aftermath of it—that had spread through the other nations as he journeyed here again?

“You picked quite a time to come back. Long time no see.”

"Ah, Sir Kris."

Amidst the steadily but slowly recovering ruin that greets him after he has emerged from the forest and allowed the path to lead him to the town, it's refreshing to see a familiar face. Something of a relief, too, really. He has heard of the scope of casualties - he has been worried about just how many may have been lost for good.

"So I've noticed," he responds further to the other's comment. "I came back to Fódlan through Embarr, and... I never thought I'd see this level of devastation in the Empire. I thought, naively maybe, that they were prepared for just about anything."

Evidently, no one in Fódlan was really prepared for whatever this was, which, if anything, is just even more terrifying.

"Have the other nations also suffered this calamity? I've been told the attack started with Garreg Mach and then spread," he continues thoughtfully.

"I... hope it hasn't been this horrific everywhere. In any case, I will be happy to help wherever they need me." With that, he takes a more attentive look at Kris. In spite of everything around them, he appears, at least, to be well. "How have you been doing? I imagine you've been keeping busy."

[freedomarrow]

It's a beautiful autumn day— Just cold enough for a nice coat, just warm enough to not feel the windchill, smelling of lovely, earthy things. Perfect for a walk or run, crisp air and sunshine and leaves crackling underfoot.

Leaves... A lot of leaves. Wait, that's actually way too much crackling and crunching, isn't it? There, listen:

Crunchcracklecrunchcrunchcrunchcrunch.

Oh you know what's coming.

"Leonardoooooo!!!!!!"

Clarion call, bells a-ringing, horn a-calling everyone home. Grinning bright enough to rival a signal fire, his smile might even be the first thing Leonardo sees of Edward before the gap between them closes at slightly concerning speeds— Were it any more elegant, one could call the movement to be something like a ship to harbor.

Alas, it isn't, and Edward simply barrels full-force towards his best friend, slinging his arms around him like they belong there, spinning both of them a half-measure from momentum alone.

Evidently, he's hale, hearty, spirits are all the higher for Leonardo being here; clearly, he'd been waiting to jump him as soon as he saw him. With that, Edward's forehead drops onto the other's shoulder as he squeeeeezes.

"I. Missed. You so bad." A beat in comfort. Then his head lifts, and he grins again, like a sunflower to the light. "Hi!"

Oh he sure knows what's coming.

Indeed, he'll recognize those steps anywhere - and so, by the time he runs to meet Edward's enthusiastic greeting, there is already a bright smile on his face.

"Edward!"

He holds out his arms, although they're not quite ready for the sheer scope of the joy with which his friend barrels into him, and he's forced into almost a half-spin as they finally meet. With the way Edward buries his head in his shoulders and holds on to him, one may be forgiven for thinking the two haven't seen each other in a decade, instead of some months.

Not that Leonardo minds, as he ever did not. In fact, he responds to the embrace in kind, holding on tight to his friend - as though he had worried that he may have lost him.

(From that alone, the conclusion can be drawn - that he knows what had happened here in Fódlan.)

"I've missed you too," comes the answer, almost slightly labored just from the loving squeeze alone - even though the archer had made no attempt to wrestle himself out of it. Only when Edward looks up at him does it become slightly more loose, and the radiant sunshine on his face is met with the warmth on Leonardo's own.

He's never been able to replicate the light that Edward emanates, but he is a bit more akin to a moon, he finds - reflecting that shine, and trying to take at least some of it for his own, in hopes that he can somewhat, at least, return it.

"How have you been? I've been worried about you and everyone here," he finally says. "I know a lot has happened."